Wondering just how much time until the start of the 2024 London Marathon?
... well wonder no more - the count down timer below shows you exactly how much (or how little) time you have left to get in your training.
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- The 2024 London Marathon race will be back in April again - having been changed for October for 2021 & 2022 due to Covid.
- The 2024 London Marathon mass start time is 10:00am (British Summer Time). It will likely be a waved start, as has been the case since covid.
- There are 3 separate start points located in the Blackheath area
- The 2020 London Marathon mass start was CANCELLED (there was a virtual race and an elites only race on the 4th October - more details below)
Ballot Entry
Be quick - you have until the countdown timer below reaches zero to get your ballot application submitted:
Ballot Results
Virtual London Marathon
The TCS London Marathon
2020 was 40th Anniversary of the London Marathon
That's right - the London Marathon has been a regular fixture in the (Spring) marathon calendar for 4 decades! 2024 will be the 44th.
8 Week Base Training Plan.
On your mobile phone.
A simple and very effective base training plan to get you in fantastic condition to train for any endurance running race (great for a marathon). Delivered straight to your mobile phone. Get in tip-top shape to crush your race training and smash that new PB.
- 09:15 – Elite Wheelchair Races & World Para Athletics Marathon Championships Ambulant Athletes
- 09:25 – The Elite Women's Race
- There is also a 3 mile 'mini-marathon' children's (11 to 17 years of age) race that usually starts at 08:30
Other race start times
Whilst the Elite Men's race and the mass start is at 10:00, there are several other races on the same day as follows:
Download a printable marathon day checklist
Want to make sure you arrive at the start line well prepared - with everything you'll need for a less stressful race experience? My handy checklist can help with that...
Course Maps
The London Marathon course takes in some of London's famous landmarks. So, running the race or indeed spectating can be a great opportunity to get in some sight seeing.
Does the London Marathon have a time limit?
Yes it is 8 hours. This is because that is the limit of the road closures that are in place for race day. So the cut-off point is 17:30 (5:30 pm). But due to covid restrictions in 2021 & 2022 start waves were introduced which extended the official cut off time by well over an hour. It is expected that the wave starts will be in place for 2023 as well.
Is there an age limit for runners?
Yes there is a minimum age - all entrants MUST be at least 18 on race day. However, here is NO upper age limit. So anyone from 18 to 118+ can take part if they so wish and they're awarded a place in the ballot or get a place via a charity or good for age qualification.
How long is the London marathon race?
The London marathon is the official standard distance for all official marathons - which is:
- 26.2 miles
- 42.195 Km
What companies have sponsored the London marathon?
The London marathon has had several main (or title) sponsors over the years. Here is a list in chronological order:
- Gillette (1981 to 1983)
- Mars (1984 to 1988)
- ADT (1989 to 1992)
- NutraSweet (1993 to 1995)
- Flora (1996 to 2009)
- Virgin Money (2010 to 2020). Initially as Virgin & then Virgin Money from 2013
- tcs (Tata Consultancy Services) are the current sponsor with a 10 year deal started in 2021
The 2020 London marathon mass start race was cancelled:
Below is a bit of history relating to the cancelled event in 2020 that lead to the initial virtual race and elites only race in October.
There was a "Virtual" London Marathon event on the 4th October 2020. Approximately 45,000 runners took part in the virtual race all over the UK and in many other countries around the world.
- The 2020 London Marathon became an Elites Only race - on Sunday the 4th October
- The start time for the Mens's Elite race was 10:15am.
- For the men's race both Eliud Kipchoge and Kenenisa Bekele were due to take part. Being touted as quite the duel as they're the only two human's to have completed an official marathon in under 2 hours and 2 minutes! I for one was very keen to watch the event live on the BBC.
- Unfortunately Bekele had to pull out due to injury so did not take part in the 2020 elites only race.
- Kipchoge had an "off day" too and only managed an 8th place finish. Albeit in a very respectable time of 2:06:49. Sadly his unparalleled winning streak was broken. But as disappointed as I'm sure he was, I'm also sure he will bounce back. [Update - I was right, he went on to break his own world record at Berlin Marathon in September 2022. Check out the time and pace here.]
